Construction project information and document access system

Abstract

A computer-implemented construction management system for enabling the performance of work tasks conducted at a remote project site like a construction site is provided by the invention. The system comprises a data interface for providing a communication link between a remote computer device used by the field worker at the project site and a central computer located at a central hub. Scanning a scannable indicia posted at the project site by means, e.g., of a smart phone or tablet, a field worker may quickly and readily gain access via a plurality of graphical user interface screens in the associated software to an organized set of documents, information, and electronic images associated with project tasks to be conducted at the project site. The field worker may also report information back to the central hub concerning the state of the construction project or the project task undertaken at the project site by means of the graphical user interfaces in the software that enable him to enter written text information or upload photographs, videos, and documents from the project site.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to information and knowledge sharing in a collaborative project environment, and more specifically to a system promoting collaborative work outcomes for permitting field workers to gather necessary information, documents, and instructions for individual project steps on an up-to-date basis, and gathering detailed information from installation workers in the field for exactly what was done during the project step in order to update the information and documentary record keeping for the project.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Construction represents the process of assembling the parts of a building or infrastructure. It involves literally hundreds or thousands of different process steps conducted by a variety of laborers and skilled craft workers. Moreover, unlike manufacturing that involves the repeated mass production of similar items using the same process, construction usually involves a uniquely designed project that i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0032]Scanning a scannable indicia posted at the project site by means, e.g., of a smart phone or tablet, a field worker may quickly and readily gain access via a plurality of graphical user interface screens in the associated software to an organized set of documents and information associated with project tasks to be conducted at the project site. For example, the posted scannable indicia may be associated with a particular room in the building under construction whereby the organized set of documents and information associated with that scannable indicia are relevant to the project tasks to be undertaken by field workers in that room. The field worker at the project site may also accompany his data message with a specific action item associated with the completed work task that should be followed-up upon by the central hub. This functionality enables the central hub to manually or automatically follow up upon the required action

Problems solved by technology

Moreover, unlike manufacturing that involves the repeated mass production of similar items using the same process, construction usually involves a uniquely designed project that is built in accordance with a one-of-a-kind plan by a large number of people whose actions impact the actions required by other workers who are not accustomed to working with each other, and are unaware of the exact sequence for the interrelated work.

But, they also must problem solve at the work site since reality may riot coincide with what is set forth within the drawings or specifications.

If one process step is conducted improperly or delayed in its installation, it may delay the next process step conducted by another worker that will lead to missed construction deadlines and cost overruns.

Current estimates indicate that $15 billion is wasted each year by construction inefficiencies.

A common problem for construction projects is the need by the architects to modify the drawings while the building is being constructed.

This creates the risk that contractors or subcontractors may be operating off of obsolete drawings.

Another challenge is to manage the construction activities at a building project site where a number of different laborers and skilled craftsmen may be working side-by- side.

But while such face-to-face meetings may provide for efficient communication of information for these construction tasks and their staging at the project site throughout that day, such meetings do not permit the plans and tasks to be modified throughout the work day.

However, this appears to be merely an information collection system without any dynamic processing of the information to produce improved field maps and other guidance documents for assisting the field crews at the project site.

However, work assignments made at the beginning of the day may need to be modified during the day in response to unforeseen variables.

Construction materials may not be delivered to the project site on time.

One work task at the project site may become delayed, thereby impeding the start of a second work task that is dependent upon the completion of the first work task.

Another challenge arises at project sites as workers encounter problems that were not anticipated by the blue prints and other design documents.

This could comprise, for example, misalignments in the design plans, or something previously installed that interferes with a second object that needs to be installed.

While th

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